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Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) (2013-2015) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) built around 2015: fails its MOT less often than average

Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) models built around 2015 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

13% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen)
excellent reliability2013-2015SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 1,837 tests of GL models registered 2013-2015.

About 1 in 25 GL X166 (2nd gen) MOTs (3.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 656 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.6% and 5.6%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 25 GL X166 (2nd gen) MOTs (4.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 656 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.0% and 6.1%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

X166 (2nd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
30511.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
65613.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
63713.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
23914.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 12 years old.

How the GL X166 (2nd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the GL X166 (2nd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 139,470 tests across 18 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
30511.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
65613.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
63713.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
23914.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the GL X166 (2nd gen).

  1. 1

    Land Rover Discovery

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,509 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.7%, against 3.8% for the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen).

    2,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    MINI Countryman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.1%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.5%, against 3.8% for the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen).

    13,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Suzuki Vitara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.9%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.2%, against 3.8% for the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen).

    3,556 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

88%of all Mercedes-Benz GL cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

16 recalls in all

3 of the 16 GL X166 (2nd gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Oil foam may develop in the active curve system oil reservoir
  • On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
  • The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How GL X166 (2nd gen) cars have aged

How GL X166 (2nd gen) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%6789101112Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (379 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (383 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (345 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (340 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (325 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (384 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (365 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (336 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (319 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (309 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (307 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (287 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (265 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (278 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (239 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
X166 (2nd gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz GL models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz GL built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the X166 (2nd gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.6%
    Advisory: 217Fail: 13 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.2%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 11 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.9%
    Advisory: 71Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    7.9%
    Advisory: 54Fail: 2 (4% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Drive shaft joint cover badly deteriorated

    6.1%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 656 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 (2nd gen) (2013-2015) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 656 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,837 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GL models first registered between 2013-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.